Babcock gets jail for failed probation

PITTSFIELD -- A Great Barrington man who admitted to his role in the September 2009 attack that left a man with severe facial wounds is now facing a probation violation for allegedly failing to comply with his conditions by using drugs and alcohol.

Jeremy Babcock, 23, was sentenced to nine months in jail followed by two years of probation in June for allegedly participating in the beating and robbery of Macartney Roberts of Great Barrington, which took place along the train tracks behind Castronova Park.

Babcock’s sentence was a joint recommendation between the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office and attorney Alexander Z. Nappan, who represented Babcock.

The defendant’s criminal conduct stemmed from alcohol and drug addiction, both sides believed.

Babcock’s probation stipulated that he stay clean and sober during his two years of supervision, but that has allegedly not happened.

On Wednesday, Babcock appeared in Berkshire Superior Court before Judge Daniel A. Ford for a probation violation. The county probation department told the court that Babcock failed several alcohol screens and also tested positive for cocaine. A final hearing was scheduled for May 24.

Two other men, Michael McLean and Lionell B. Pittman, both of Beacon, N.Y., also participated in the Sept. 16, 2009 attack. Pittman was sentenced to prison, McLean to jail.

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According to court testimony, Babcock initially participated in the attack but was unaware that Pittman planned to cut Roberts; Babcock later tried to protect Roberts from further attack.

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